Home opener is here: Wolves prepare for another emotional night

Back from a 2-0 road trip, the Wolves return to Target Center for tonight's home opener against Portland, an evening that is sure to be emotional poignant.

A video tribute to Flip Saunders -- expected to last about 15 minutes -- will play just shortly after 7 pm so it can be shown live on FSN's game coverage.

Fans are advised to be in their seats by 6:45 p.m. The north tunnel that leads to Hubert's will be closed about 6:55 to allow for player introductions and fans trying to enter there will be directed to the first-level concourse.

"I can imagine it will be one of these moments that will just be unforgettable," said Wolves veteran Tayshaun Prince, who played for Saunders in Detroit a decade ago. "I think everybody's excited. All the people that didn't get a chance to go to the funeral (Saturday's private memorial service), all of Flip's supporters and fans, will be able to come tonight and celebrate a huge moment with us. And hopefully we can capitalize and cap it off with a win."

Kevin Garnett was asked about one more emotional night, eight days after Flip's death at age 60.

"It's going to be an emotional year, if not an emotional lifetime," Garnett said.